Top Picks

Ideas,events, recommendations and tips to inspire your holiday in Rotorua!

From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.

Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.

Experience Maori culture, hospitality and food here - try a hangi feast cooked in the steaming ground or take a tour of an authentic pre-European village.

The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, native forests and 18 fresh water lakes, making it the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Rotorua is a mountain biking mecca with world-class mountain bike trails. Walking, horse riding, and swimming or fishing in the lakes and rivers are some of the best ways to see the wildlife, breath-taking scenery and discover the region’s hidden gems. It’s also a big trout fishing area with fishing on the lakes and tributary rivers and if you’re unlucky there you can sight some of the huge trout (but, alas, not catch them) at Rainbow and Fairy Springs.

For thrill seekers, Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and offers everything from bungy jumping and luging to zorbing and ziplining.

Families with children of all ages will love the great range of leisure and wildlife parks. When it comes to food and drink, Rotorua boasts a thermally-heated central city alfresco dining zone known as Eat Streat, as well as a number of popular food and craft markets.

Located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is also the gateway to other central destinations - it's less than two hours to the Mt Ruapehu ski fields and less than an hour from the nearest beach towns.